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New Hampshire partakes in National Drug Take-Back day

By: Gina Marini

NH1.com

NASHUA - The U.S. Drug enforcement Agency says most prescription drug abusers get their fix from family, friends, and the household medicine cabinet. Saturday was the DEA's National Drug Take-Back Day, with more than 5,000 collection sites across the country, including many here in New Hampshire. Officials say every pill that's turned in is one less than could end up on the street.

Dozens of police stations across the state participated in the national drug take-back day, a day to turn in unused or expired prescriptions and over the counter medicine. People who spoke with NH1 says they are glad to be part of this and recognize the potential dangers of prescription drugs.

"It's not good to have prescription drugs in your cabinet. They could fall into the wrong hands - kids, grandkids, people helping around the house," said one woman who was at the event.

Nashua is one of the places hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. Nashua Police Lt. Kevin Rourke said they're always happy to see a good turnout.

"There were people lined up here at quarter to 10 ready to dispose of their prescription pills," said Rourke.

The event began at 10 a.m. and went until 1 p.m. Some people opted to pour out their prescription bottles into the bins instead of tossing the whole bottle out.

The Rochester Police department posting an image of 10 large boxes filled with unwanted pills next to its police cruiser.

"This is the root of the problem. The opioid problem is the prescription drugs, so I think the word is getting out there and people are educated so they are bringing their pills to the proper place to get disposed of," said Rourke.

According to the DEA, more people die from overdoses than from car accidents or gunshots. Police hope disposing of these drugs will make a difference as they continue to battle the epidemic.